As I sit down to write this tribute, my heart is heavy with sorrow yet filled with warm memories of my dear grandmother, who we lovingly called Mamaw. She left us this morning at the age of 91 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Mamaw was not just a grandmother; she was the heart and soul of our family, a guiding light in our lives, and a source of boundless love and joy.

As a family, we are grieving her loss, because we love her and want for her to be here with us. This Christmas just won’t be the same without her. But we must also rejoice, knowing that she has reunited with Papa, the love of her life. We celebrate that the pain that she has endured in recent months and years is over.

One of my most cherished memories is the Christmases we spent at Mamaw and Papa’s house. The cozy atmosphere, the scent of everything she had spent days preparing for dinner, and the twinkling lights on the tree made it the most magical place on Earth. Mamaw’s love for family was evident in every meticulously wrapped gift and every heartfelt hug she shared.

Each Labor Day weekend, my sister, cousins, and I eagerly packed our bags to spend time at Mamaw’s. Our mission? Staying up late and watching the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. Year after year, we huddled around the TV, sharing laughter and tears as we supported a cause close to Mamaw’s heart. It was a tradition that united us in a unique and meaningful way.

Mornings at Mamaw’s were a delight, especially Sundays. She’d serve powdered donuts and ice-cold milk before we all headed to church. Those sweet, simple moments with her made every Sunday feel like a warm embrace of love and tradition.

Mamaw had a knack for knowing our favorite snacks. Bugles and Soft Batch chocolate chip cookies were always within arm’s reach. She made sure her home was a place where we felt not only loved but also celebrated for who we were.

One of the funniest memories I have is when Mamaw would “allow” us grandkids to work on her feet. This really meant we would argue over who got to give her a pedicure, all the while thinking we were winning out by using the cool electric mani/pedi set. Looking back, it wasn’t really about the pedicure; it was about the time we spent together, giggling and bonding.

When I was very young and could barely talk, Mamaw had a unique way of washing my face. She’d speak in a soft, sing-songy manner, “Feels so good!” as she gently cleaned my face with a washcloth. My response, with the washcloth covering my face, was always an enthusiastic, “Hmm-hmm-hmm!” in that same sing-songy voice. It was our little ritual, a moment of connection that spoke volumes of the love between us.

But perhaps one of the most legendary things about Mamaw was her homemade macaroni and cheese. To say it was the best in the galaxy would be an understatement. The cheesy, gooey goodness was a testament to her culinary skills and her love for making us happy.

Mamaw’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void in our lives, but her legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories will forever live on in our hearts. She taught us the true meaning of family, love, and togetherness. In her honor, let’s continue to cherish the traditions she held dear and pass them down to the generations to come. Farewell, Mamaw. You will always be our guiding star in the galaxy of our lives.